Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Neuropsychiatry

Introduction: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a disabling mental illness, with a prevalence of 1-2% in the general population. Depressive disorders (major depressive disorder and dysthymia) (DD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are common disabling mental disorders as well. BPD is sometimes comorbid with DD and BD. Hypothesis: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is frequently presented in patients with DD and patients with BD. BPD in patients with BD or DD is associated with worse functioning and higher suicide risk. Methods: This is a cross-sectional comparative study. A hundred and fifty participants with DD and a hundred and fifty participants with bipolar depression were assessed for the presence and severity of BPD. In each group, participants with versus without BPD were compared for deliberate self- harm (DSH), suicide risk, and global functioning. Impulsivity and hostility were, also assessed in the participants. Results: 23.3% of participants with DD as compared to 21.3% of participants with BD had BPD. There was no significant difference of the prevalence or severity of BPD between both groups. There was no significant difference of BPD prevalence between subgroups as well (among participants with DD and among participants with different types of bipolar disorder). Among participants with DD, BPD was associated with higher DSH and suicide risk. Among participants with BD, BPD was associated higher DSH, higher suicide risk, and lower global functioning. Conclusion: BPD is quite common in patients with DD and BD, and is associated with higher risk of suicide and DSH. BPD is, also, associated with lower global functioning in patients with BD {u2003}

Issued also as CD